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The City of Branson is pleased to announce a $25,000 donation from Branson’s Pat Joyce Family Trust & SummerWinds Resorts for the new inclusive playground going in at the Branson RecPlex.

The playground is the first of its kind in the Branson area and is specifically designed for children with special needs. While many playgrounds are ADA accessible, this unique, fully inclusive playground will have elements that encourage emotional, cognitive, social and sensory development for those with specific needs beyond physical handicaps.

It will be equipped with therapeutic rings, a hand cycler designed for children in mobility devices and a set of hand drums specifically designed for children with auditory needs. This playground will also include a sensory wave climber; a first of its kind feature, with panels that provide a unique sensory experience.

While the Branson Parks and Recreation Department received an initial $70,000 grant for the playground, the cost to the City is still approximately $160,000 and the Park’s Department is looking for more donors like Joyce to help with that cost.

“We are so fortunate to have great community support and partners in this project like Pat Joyce. I want to offer my personal thanks and gratitude to Pat for helping make the new inclusive playground a reality for hundreds of children in the Ozarks who will not only have fun but help them as well,” said Branson Parks and Recreation Director, Cindy Shook.

Construction is nearly complete on the playground. An official ribbon cutting is planned this spring.

If anyone is interested in taking a closer look at the park or making a contribution to the legacy of our parks like this playground, the Friends of the Branson Parks Fund provides an opportunity for a tax exempt donation. Please contact Cindy Shook for more information at (417) 335-2709 or at cshook@bransonmo.gov.